Preview — Winter House by Carol O'Connell

Carol O'Connell's last novel, "Dead Famous," made multiple best-of-year lists and won critical acclaim nationwide. "O'Connell brings a hard edge of greatness to the crime thriller," wrote the San Jose Mercury News. "A tough and brilliant action-, wit-, and surprise-packed novel." But never has Mallory faced as many surprises as in the case before her now. It seems cut-andCarol O'Connell's last novel, "Dead Famous," made multiple best-of-year lists and won critical acclaim nationwide. "O'Connell brings a hard edge of greatness to the crime thriller," wrote the San Jose Mercury News. "A tough and brilliant action-, wit-, and surprise-packed novel." But never has Mallory faced as many surprises as in the case before her now. It seems cut-and-dried at first: a burglar has been caught in the act and killed by an ice pick-wielding home owner. Except that the home owner turns out to be the most famous lost child in NYPD history, missing for almost sixty years, thought to have been kidnapped following the massacre of her family: five siblings, father, stepmother, nanny, and housekeeper -nearly the entire household wiped out . . . with an ice pick. Filled with the intricate plotting and extraordinary characterization that are O'Connell's hallmarks, "Winter House" is her most powerful-and most astonishing-novel yet....more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published
October 21st 2004
by Putnam Adult
(first published September 1st 2004)

Community Reviews

I used to love crime and mystery novels when I was a pre-teen. Carol O'Connell was one of my favorite authors. That time has passed and so maybe it's a bit unfair of me to even read and rate a novel that's part of a genre I already know I don't particularly enjoy anymore. But I did... so suck it.

Plot-wise there's a little too much going on in this one--too many "twists" making it seem more like a soap opera than a crime novel. Character-wise, I can see how the calculating, nearly emotionless MalI used to love crime and mystery novels when I was a pre-teen. Carol O'Connell was one of my favorite authors. That time has passed and so maybe it's a bit unfair of me to even read and rate a novel that's part of a genre I already know I don't particularly enjoy anymore. But I did... so suck it.

Plot-wise there's a little too much going on in this one--too many "twists" making it seem more like a soap opera than a crime novel. Character-wise, I can see how the calculating, nearly emotionless Mallory would have appealed to me as a kid, but now she seems a bit over the top in the fear and awe she inspires in everyone she encounters....more

A great, convoluted mystery. I had no idea who was to blame until the end. The story has an interesting cast of characters - Mallory is feline, feral, and single-minded, and I didn't always like her, but I don't think we're meant to always like her. The plot is rich with detail and family history and it's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys because most characters seem to have a little of both in them. Pay attention! Every detail is important.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of Winter House through Goodreads, and I am so glad that I did. This book was the first one that I have read by O'Connell, and I really enjoyed it. O'Connell delivered a good mystery that kept the reader guessing until the end. With so many twists and turns, it was hard to discover the truth about what happened at Winter House sixty years before. Mallory was an interesting character who was fun to read about. I did like how she did her own thing her own way, andI was lucky enough to win a copy of Winter House through Goodreads, and I am so glad that I did. This book was the first one that I have read by O'Connell, and I really enjoyed it. O'Connell delivered a good mystery that kept the reader guessing until the end. With so many twists and turns, it was hard to discover the truth about what happened at Winter House sixty years before. Mallory was an interesting character who was fun to read about. I did like how she did her own thing her own way, and I would like to read another book with this character. Since I didn't read the other books in the series, I wasn't familiar with Mallory's relationships with her partners, and her foster father's friends, but I still got a good sense of those relationships from this book. I do think that this book could be read without having read the rest in the series, but I think it would be better to have read previous books. Overall this was a great book that I would recommend if you enjoy a lot of twists and turns with your mystery....more

Plot: Mallory attends a crime scene--a burglar killed by old woman (Nedda). But the burglar is WRB, who Mallory incarcerated for serial killings. Although his trademark knife is strapped to his leg, and ice pick is found by his hand. Mallory is suspicious. The murder isn't whSource: Library

Plot: Mallory attends a crime scene--a burglar killed by old woman (Nedda). But the burglar is WRB, who Mallory incarcerated for serial killings. Although his trademark knife is strapped to his leg, and ice pick is found by his hand. Mallory is suspicious. The murder isn't what it seems. And that's true. The preliminary investigation hints at possible tie in of a 50 year-old crime--the mass murder of nine people in the very same house--done with an ice pick. As Mallory goes forward on keen detective hunches, her partner Riker has more information: His family has researched ice pick murders for three generations.

Mallory suspects Nedda (age in mid 70s) of being the ice pick killer that slaughtered most of the Winter family in the 1940s. Riker isn't so sure. Butler, with advanced scholarship in psychology, is certain it's not true.

What IS true is an elaborate multi-generational scheme to get hold of the Winter fortune; all the remaining family members (by blood and by marriage) are somehow involved, and Mallory's instincts once again prove true.

The intrigue of the story kept me in this, enhanced by the very good writing. I wanted to find out if my hunches were correct. (I like a book where I can feel involved in solving the mystery). I doubt, however, that I'll read another "Mallory Novel". I found the self-centered, bratty, my-way-or-no-way main character (Kathy Mallory) hard to bear; she has more hang-ups than a walk-in closet. Even more obnoxious is the way the supporting players (Riker, Butler, the head of forensics, and more) make excuse or forgive her many faults, and nearly worship her. The reader is rarely in Mallory's point of view, and then its mostly as she wrangles through some segment of the mystery. The only "vision" of her as real person is through the eyes of her adorers--all of whom are male--who seem to get a kick out of watching her intimidate people. It really became tiresome.

But as I stated, this is a popular series that garners great reviews. The character I frown over, someone else lauds. Which just proves out how great it is to have myriad books in the world: something for everyone.

Not my favorite Mallory book. Unfortunately, I intuited the killer once the character was introduced (rather early on in the book) so there wasn't a lot of suspense, nor did I find my curiosity peaked as to why this particular character would plot to kill. Most of the characters felt one dimensional, or I simply did not care about their background. The exceptions to this were Neda Winter and her niece. The attempt at making the house into another character in the book, fell short for me. EventuaNot my favorite Mallory book. Unfortunately, I intuited the killer once the character was introduced (rather early on in the book) so there wasn't a lot of suspense, nor did I find my curiosity peaked as to why this particular character would plot to kill. Most of the characters felt one dimensional, or I simply did not care about their background. The exceptions to this were Neda Winter and her niece. The attempt at making the house into another character in the book, fell short for me. Eventually, I found myself pushing through only to skim the end for a sense of closure. All the favorite characters make an appearance, although for most of them it feels a little forced or gratuitous. It's light on the relationship tension that usually shows up between the characters, and the book introduces very little added insight into Riker, Mallory, or Charles. Neda Winter's back story was the most interesting and could've made an interesting parallel to Mallory's - which would go a long way to explaining/rounding out Charles' infatuation/respect for her. In all, still an entertaining read, but I'm much more excited to move on to Find Me....more

This is a Goodreads first reads giveaway review. I have to say, although this was not my favorite plot, O'Connell's Mallory is one of my favorite characters. I recommend Mallory's Oracle often, and buy it constantly to give to people to read and pass along. That being said, this book showed a touch more humanity on Kathy's part and a little less patience from Charles. I was also disappointed with the fact that Kathy's gift to Charles was "off the mark." Mallory herself is often "off" a bit, a woThis is a Goodreads first reads giveaway review. I have to say, although this was not my favorite plot, O'Connell's Mallory is one of my favorite characters. I recommend Mallory's Oracle often, and buy it constantly to give to people to read and pass along. That being said, this book showed a touch more humanity on Kathy's part and a little less patience from Charles. I was also disappointed with the fact that Kathy's gift to Charles was "off the mark." Mallory herself is often "off" a bit, a woman who is both superior professionally and broken spiritually, but until this title she did seem to have some understanding of what Charles wanted, even if she was unwilling to give it to him. The murder suspect's drama was indeed a revelation for Kathy and her own possible future. Although her methods so often seem cruel, Kathy is always brutal enough to make the "kindest cut" to get to the truth. I found the ice pick story line less interesting and believable. But the fact that O'Connell has gifted us with another Mallory addition to the saga is deeply rewarding....more

Carol O'Connell and her heroine Kathy Mallory make a formidable team. Mallory has enthralled me ever since I read The Man who Lied to Women and my favourite, The Flight of the Stone Angel, is officially one of my top 26 books.

Mallory is on the trail of a serial killer who just happens to be murdered with an ice pick by 70 year old Nedda Winter. Nedda has been missing for 60 odd years, fleeing Winter House at the age of 12 when she found her family massacred by someone who also used an ice pick tCarol O'Connell and her heroine Kathy Mallory make a formidable team. Mallory has enthralled me ever since I read The Man who Lied to Women and my favourite, The Flight of the Stone Angel, is officially one of my top 26 books.

Mallory is on the trail of a serial killer who just happens to be murdered with an ice pick by 70 year old Nedda Winter. Nedda has been missing for 60 odd years, fleeing Winter House at the age of 12 when she found her family massacred by someone who also used an ice pick to kill her parents and her siblings. The police called him The Stick Man.

Mallory, her partners Riker and Charles Butler all make welcome returns to form. The ghost of her foster parents Louis and Helen Markowitz haunt the pages. Beautiful and dangerous, Kathy Mallory is as enigmatic as ever. O'Connell uses the seldom employed weapon of enigmatic 3rd person as her tool to thrill and unsettle the reader. No one ever knows what Mallory is thinking. O'Connell's brilliance is so understated that you're left breathless without knowing why.

Winter House is filled with suspense, populated with incredible characters and driven by superb plotting. Read it. ...more

What a wonderful read with a truly horrible ending. Once again O'Connell introduces a character and encourages her readers to become profoundly attached. In fact, the other characters themselves are quite attached to the new addition who is than snatched away in profoundly sad circumstances leaving both the reader and the beloved characters bereft in the face of terrible loss. Charles Butler fans especially will enjoy this installment. Mallory's fans too will be moved by her role in the story. OWhat a wonderful read with a truly horrible ending. Once again O'Connell introduces a character and encourages her readers to become profoundly attached. In fact, the other characters themselves are quite attached to the new addition who is than snatched away in profoundly sad circumstances leaving both the reader and the beloved characters bereft in the face of terrible loss. Charles Butler fans especially will enjoy this installment. Mallory's fans too will be moved by her role in the story. Once again O'Connell has told a compelling story and allowed her readers to visit with old friends....more

Carol O'Connell is terrific! I read this story some years ago, loved it, and loved it even more on the re-read. Kate Mallory is a truly unique character among female detectives. Of course she's beautiful; aren't they all? But she's much more interesting than that. She's beyond bristly. And brilliant. And hard. Many of the people who love her also fear her. And even if/when she does something that puts her at risk, it's never something stupid or simpering.

The plot here is great. The Detroit FreeCarol O'Connell is terrific! I read this story some years ago, loved it, and loved it even more on the re-read. Kate Mallory is a truly unique character among female detectives. Of course she's beautiful; aren't they all? But she's much more interesting than that. She's beyond bristly. And brilliant. And hard. Many of the people who love her also fear her. And even if/when she does something that puts her at risk, it's never something stupid or simpering.

The plot here is great. The Detroit Free Press referred to it as a modern gothic and police procedural rolled into one and that pretty much sums it up. Of course if you want a bit more detail, there is a decades-old massacre, an old woman who commits the first killing in the book (not really a spoiler, since it appears in the first pages of the book), a family that maybe defines dysfunctional, lots of money, and more.

WINTER HOUSE (Psychological suspense-NYC-Cont) - VGCarol O’Connell – 8th in seriesG. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2004- HardcoverMallory is called to investigate the murder by scissors of an intruder by an elderly woman. But it turns out the intruder was a serial killer, the murder weapon was actually an ice pick, the elderly woman someone who had been missing for fifty-eight years since nine members of her family had been killed with an ice pick. *** There are layers upon layers in this story of a house,WINTER HOUSE (Psychological suspense-NYC-Cont) - VGCarol O’Connell – 8th in seriesG. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2004- HardcoverMallory is called to investigate the murder by scissors of an intruder by an elderly woman. But it turns out the intruder was a serial killer, the murder weapon was actually an ice pick, the elderly woman someone who had been missing for fifty-eight years since nine members of her family had been killed with an ice pick. *** There are layers upon layers in this story of a house, a family, relationships and greed. I have loved the Mallory series from the start and this is one of the best. You learn more about Mallory’s partner Riker and vulnerability of Charles, Mallory’s friend and business partner, is a wonderful contrast to the character of Mallory. I would not recommend starting the series with this book, but it is a definitely an excellent addition to the series. ...more

I loved this entry in the Mallory series. I first tried a Mallory book several years ago and didn't like it, couldn't imagine what the fuss was about. A couple of years later, after seeing repeated raves for the series on DorothyL, I decided to try it again and I was hooked. I do get annoyed with the italicized sections when her mentor is supposedly speaking to her from the beyond, but I skip those and get back to the meat of the story. I like how Mallory, Charles and Riker work together, and soI loved this entry in the Mallory series. I first tried a Mallory book several years ago and didn't like it, couldn't imagine what the fuss was about. A couple of years later, after seeing repeated raves for the series on DorothyL, I decided to try it again and I was hooked. I do get annoyed with the italicized sections when her mentor is supposedly speaking to her from the beyond, but I skip those and get back to the meat of the story. I like how Mallory, Charles and Riker work together, and sometimes even more effectively apart, to solve the mystery. They are smart, talented and focused on solving the crime. This story, with the old woman and her fascinating backstory, gripped from the first page and didn't let go until I reached the end. I highly recommend it, but agree with LJ that you should start with an earlier book in the series so that you understand the key characters and their relationships....more

This book is number eight in the Kathleen Mallory series. This is the first one I have read.

The apparent regulars in this series are Mallory, Riker and Butler. Yet I had trouble understanding their relationships or conjuring up any real feeling for Mallory. Perhaps if I read the previous novels in this series, I would have more buy-in to the regulars.

Nedda Winter is the real focus in this novel. Her story is the interesting one, and the author kept me guessing as to both her sanity and her guilThis book is number eight in the Kathleen Mallory series. This is the first one I have read.

The apparent regulars in this series are Mallory, Riker and Butler. Yet I had trouble understanding their relationships or conjuring up any real feeling for Mallory. Perhaps if I read the previous novels in this series, I would have more buy-in to the regulars.

Nedda Winter is the real focus in this novel. Her story is the interesting one, and the author kept me guessing as to both her sanity and her guilt. Nedda's backstory is what pulled me through the book, even with the complicated plot and many characters.

I would like to read another book in this series, perhaps an early one, to have a better understanding of the regular characters and determine whether it is a series I would really enjoy.

I received this book free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaway program....more

An orphan, Mallory was rescued from the streets as a child by a kindhearted police officer and his wife. Now grown and a homicide detective herself, she has been so psychologically scarred by her horrific past that in some ways she is still feral and dangerously amoral. In Winter House, Mallory encounters an older woman, Nedda Winter, suspected of a number of brutal murders. As a child of twelve, Winter disappeared when eight members of her family were murdered. Where has she been in the fifty yAn orphan, Mallory was rescued from the streets as a child by a kindhearted police officer and his wife. Now grown and a homicide detective herself, she has been so psychologically scarred by her horrific past that in some ways she is still feral and dangerously amoral. In Winter House, Mallory encounters an older woman, Nedda Winter, suspected of a number of brutal murders. As a child of twelve, Winter disappeared when eight members of her family were murdered. Where has she been in the fifty years since those murders? Is she insane, and how did the abuse she suffered as a child shape the person she has become? Does Mallory’s own haunted past condemn her to a life beyond the fringes of sanity? Mallory novels, as with many mystery series, are best read in chronological order. If you haven’t yet read the seven other Mallory novels, start with Mallory’s Oracle.

I'm sad because I only have one more Kathleen Mallory book to read - then, I'll have to wait until another one is published! (I've read this in the most mixed up way possible - I read #10, the most recently published, first - my last one will be Stone Angel). In my opinion, this was one of the better of the series. I could almost visualize Nedda and her siblings dancing through the house as a child - and then Nedda as an adult, dodging the ghosts of her family as she goes through the house.I didI'm sad because I only have one more Kathleen Mallory book to read - then, I'll have to wait until another one is published! (I've read this in the most mixed up way possible - I read #10, the most recently published, first - my last one will be Stone Angel). In my opinion, this was one of the better of the series. I could almost visualize Nedda and her siblings dancing through the house as a child - and then Nedda as an adult, dodging the ghosts of her family as she goes through the house.I did not like how everything turned out - I'm a happy ending kind of person, and this was a more realistic type of ending - but I was left in suspense the whole way through. (I had to resist the urge to peak to see how things turned out!)...more

I enjoyed this read, it kept me interested. My biggest complaint is that it had too many characters referred to with multiple names. I had a hard time keeping it all straight. It had lots of great twists; pretty much never a dull moment. I will try this author again and take notes on each character for a future reference if I get confused.

Got this from Julie as the get-away weekend was starting, and was oh so looking forward to immersing myself in a total "mind candy" release starring Kathleen Mallory (aka Malloyr), NYPD Detective and former feral child raised by now deceased NYPD police officer.

The back cover describes it as "densely plotted" -- I found it so full of characters and historial detail that was supposed to fit in here, there and everywhere that I could hardly keep track.

The gist of it: burglar is murdered with iceGot this from Julie as the get-away weekend was starting, and was oh so looking forward to immersing myself in a total "mind candy" release starring Kathleen Mallory (aka Malloyr), NYPD Detective and former feral child raised by now deceased NYPD police officer.

The back cover describes it as "densely plotted" -- I found it so full of characters and historial detail that was supposed to fit in here, there and everywhere that I could hardly keep track.

The gist of it: burglar is murdered with ice pick, ostensibly in self-defense. Murdered turns out to be child gone missing 60 years ago. You'd think it'd be at least moderately good but it wasn't even that. Even descriptions of Mallory's interactions with others seemed to lack the sensitivity of prior book to her "issues". Bummer!...more

This author is new to me. I found the book intriguing but convoluted at times. I made a chart of the family as I got lost a bit. The characters are interesting and I'm going to read another in this series to get to know the Mallory character a bit more.

O'Connell's character, Mallory, is a great example of a character where you have to wonder if the ends (she's a brutal hard-to-like police detective) justify the means but get so engaged in the plot you found that question unimportant

This was a rather odd mystery - an elderly woman confesses to stabbing an apparent burglar with an ice-pick. This is apparently a book featuring "glacier-cool detective Kathy Mallory", but I really didn't see her as the main character - or at least, not the interesting one. Nedda, the old woman, is interesting, as is her back story (which is rather ponderously unwound throughout the book), although it seems a little far-fetched at times. This book is heavily populated, which made me rather exhauThis was a rather odd mystery - an elderly woman confesses to stabbing an apparent burglar with an ice-pick. This is apparently a book featuring "glacier-cool detective Kathy Mallory", but I really didn't see her as the main character - or at least, not the interesting one. Nedda, the old woman, is interesting, as is her back story (which is rather ponderously unwound throughout the book), although it seems a little far-fetched at times. This book is heavily populated, which made me rather exhausted at times, but the finale is suitably shocking and thrilling. While I might pick up another book by the same author, I'm not sure I'd get one in the same series - I didn't like the detective at all....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Winter House was very good.

spoiler alert It took me a while to finish, somewhere in the middle of the book I found it easy to put down, but was still engaged in the story. The ending was hard to put down. Family betrayal is the central theme. The Winter House massacre, years ago, was a tragic end to nine members of the Winter household. Never solved, the massacre was never forgotten by the police and followed obsessively by researchers. Mallory investigates a new death at Winter House that openWinter House was very good.

spoiler alert It took me a while to finish, somewhere in the middle of the book I found it easy to put down, but was still engaged in the story. The ending was hard to put down. Family betrayal is the central theme. The Winter House massacre, years ago, was a tragic end to nine members of the Winter household. Never solved, the massacre was never forgotten by the police and followed obsessively by researchers. Mallory investigates a new death at Winter House that opens up old wounds and threatens the surviving members of the household again. I highly recommend the series. 9+ of 10 for the intricate plot and the vivid imagery and mystery presented....more

When I reread these books some day, if I do, I'll figure out which is truly my favorite. For now, this book is. There are levels of enjoyment: the parlor mystery level, psychological thriller, detective story, true crime, all with noir shadows. The mirrors in the Winter House are genius casting. Read this on the iPad in the dark, face hovering over the white screen. The contrast fits the genre. Mallory, Butler and Coffey are all evolving, more deeply interesting. The past creeps into the presentWhen I reread these books some day, if I do, I'll figure out which is truly my favorite. For now, this book is. There are levels of enjoyment: the parlor mystery level, psychological thriller, detective story, true crime, all with noir shadows. The mirrors in the Winter House are genius casting. Read this on the iPad in the dark, face hovering over the white screen. The contrast fits the genre. Mallory, Butler and Coffey are all evolving, more deeply interesting. The past creeps into the present via Riker, and now we know him a little better, too. Darn good storytelling by an excellent writer who keeps sharpening her pencils, while using her gum eraser in broad sloppy swipes. Great art. ...more

I don't know how Carol O'Connell gets away with it. Her principal character is an emotionally distant sociopath whom is almost impossible to love. And yet one does.

O'Connell breaks many of the rules my writing teachers pounded relentlessly into my head and I adore her for making it work. On occasion, it is a little tedious, figuring out where one is at as one carwheels through several pov's in one chapter. (I know, I know, imagine ME complaining about pov shifts!) The plots of these mysteries arI don't know how Carol O'Connell gets away with it. Her principal character is an emotionally distant sociopath whom is almost impossible to love. And yet one does.

O'Connell breaks many of the rules my writing teachers pounded relentlessly into my head and I adore her for making it work. On occasion, it is a little tedious, figuring out where one is at as one carwheels through several pov's in one chapter. (I know, I know, imagine ME complaining about pov shifts!) The plots of these mysteries are crafted so beautifully and so intricately that one has that satisfying feeling upon closing the book that the solution was inevitable and that a sort of justice had been obtained.

Another Mallory novel; another few long nights of not enough sleep due to an inability to put Carol O'Connell's books down. More witty, clever dialogue; one more story whose conclusion you could never predict. This is the book I got free from a Goodreads giveaway, and this one free book led me to hours and hours of genuine reading pleasure as I read the preceding novels before reading this one. Can't rate these books highly enough; my favorite Goodreads discovery yet. So glad I've still got a feAnother Mallory novel; another few long nights of not enough sleep due to an inability to put Carol O'Connell's books down. More witty, clever dialogue; one more story whose conclusion you could never predict. This is the book I got free from a Goodreads giveaway, and this one free book led me to hours and hours of genuine reading pleasure as I read the preceding novels before reading this one. Can't rate these books highly enough; my favorite Goodreads discovery yet. So glad I've still got a few more left; my reading world will feel empty when I run out of Mallory and move on to something else....more

I was so excited by the write up on the back of the cover that I jumped right in. That was it. The excitement ended there. The story may have been great, but the writing was crap.I got very tired of redundant character descriptions and unnecessary explanations. I get that the detective is that way - shush about her and get on with the story!Once I gave up, I found out that this is like number 8 in a series about the same detective... really!? I felt the author was trying to hard to describe theI was so excited by the write up on the back of the cover that I jumped right in. That was it. The excitement ended there. The story may have been great, but the writing was crap.I got very tired of redundant character descriptions and unnecessary explanations. I get that the detective is that way - shush about her and get on with the story!Once I gave up, I found out that this is like number 8 in a series about the same detective... really!? I felt the author was trying to hard to describe the character... and this is the 8th book full of it? Yipes!...more